It illustrates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It illustrates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or clarify a point by providing an example or visual representation. Example: "The chart is quite informative; it illustrates the growth trends over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It illustrates wide social reforms".

The New York Times - Arts

"It illustrates the complexity of the mission".

The New York Times

It illustrates his commitment to criminal justice.

The New Yorker

It illustrates a simple idea beautifully.

The Guardian

It illustrates another of his favorite themes, metamorphosis.

The New York Times

It illustrates an interesting roadblock in the country's social evolution.

The New York Times

It illustrates the distances travelled across the generations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It illustrates the bureaucracy of the CIA's interrogation program.

The Guardian - Opinion

It illustrates the knowledge and commitment you find at Champs".

The Guardian - Sport

It illustrates the sheer pettiness of the N.C.A.A.

The New York Times

It illustrates Pissarro's professed preference for vegetable gardens.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It illustrates" when you want to introduce a specific example or instance to support a broader point or argument. For instance, "The study found a correlation between exercise and mental health; it illustrates the importance of physical activity."

Common error

Avoid using "It illustrates" excessively in overly complex sentences, as it can make the writing sound clunky. Instead, integrate the illustrative example more smoothly into the sentence structure. For example, instead of saying "The data shows a decline, and it illustrates the need for new strategies", try "The declining data underscores the need for new strategies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it illustrates" functions as a transitional device, introducing an example or clarification related to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for providing instances or supporting evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it illustrates" is a versatile and commonly used expression to introduce examples or clarifications, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally neutral, writers should avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Alternatives such as ""it demonstrates"" or ""it exemplifies"" can be used to add variety to your writing. Overall, "it illustrates" is a reliable phrase for enhancing understanding through concrete examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It demonstrates

Replaces "illustrates" with a synonym that focuses on showcasing or proving something.

It exemplifies

Emphasizes that the subject serves as a typical example of something.

It highlights

Focuses on bringing attention to a particular aspect or feature.

It shows

A more straightforward alternative, indicating that something is revealed or made visible.

It clarifies

Indicates that the subject makes something easier to understand.

It embodies

Suggests that the subject is a tangible representation of an abstract concept.

It represents

Indicates that the subject stands for or symbolizes something else.

It signifies

Similar to represents, but with a stronger emphasis on conveying a specific meaning.

It reveals

Implies that something previously hidden is now being made known.

It embodies

Implies that the subject is a tangible representation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it illustrates" in a sentence?

Use "it illustrates" to introduce an example that clarifies or supports a previous statement. For example, "The company's success in the Asian market is remarkable; "it illustrates" their global reach".

What are some alternatives to "it illustrates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it demonstrates", "it exemplifies", or "it highlights" to introduce an example.

Is it correct to say "this illustrates" instead of "it illustrates"?

Both "this illustrates" and "it illustrates" can be correct, but they have slightly different usages. "It illustrates" typically refers back to a previously mentioned concept or idea, while "this illustrates" refers to something immediately present or being shown. Context determines the more appropriate choice.

What is the difference between "it illustrates" and "it proves"?

"It illustrates" introduces an example that clarifies or supports a point, while "it proves" suggests that something is definitively shown to be true. "It illustrates" is less assertive than "it proves" and is used for clarification rather than conclusive evidence.